Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Inspiration That Rocks! Style #3! Bismuth!

If you missed "Inspiration That Rocks" Style #2 Opal, you can view the post HERE.

This mineral took my breath way.  I was entranced for 20 minutes staring at the crystalline structure. I see towers in decay, marching columns, collapsing terraces, twisted picture frames, toppling roofs, and winding staircases.  The sample as a whole strongly resembles a city in ruin. The rich colors are translucent, iridescent and metallic. Since it's a photograph, I had difficulty identifying the Mineral. 

BISMUTH
 Every mineral has a unique set of properties that determine it's identity.

1. Color
2. Streak
3. Luster
4. Cleavage
5. Hardness (MOHS Scale)
6. Crystal Structure and Shape
7. Specific Gravity

All very difficult to test without the actual sample. I can't turn the crystals to count the number of faces.  Although the crystals are elongated, and are perhaps twins, again I can't be sure.  I can't guess the molecular weight without at least holding it in my hand. I can't break a piece off or scratch it with various objects to determine the hardness as described by the MOHS Hardness Scale.

Heidi and Andrew (both Geologists) were able to determine that this Mineral is BISMUTH.  However, the crystals in this sample are not naturally occuring in nature.  This particular sample of Bismuth is lab grown. 

HALL OF RECORDS - Downtown Bakersfield CA
Building Blocks Top - by Deletta - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $40 - Aug 2008
Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009
From The Poles Jacket Purple - by Sparrow - Anthro Berkeley Orig $128 Sale $70 Red Tag $52- Dec 2010
Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011
Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010
Meteorology Necklace - Anthro 14K Gold Filled with Smokey QTZ, Amethyst and Prynite, Orig $128, Sale $50 - July 2008
 This outfit would not be possible without the inspiration created by the image of the mineral. The combination would never have occurred to me.  It's also very difficult to relate the inspiration back to my Readers. I pulled this outfit together in an amazing 15 minutes.

Unlike the Opal of last week, this mineral forms cubic picture frame like shapes.  The varying shades of Green, Blue and Purple with a White translucent quality are nicely mimicked in the print of Anthro's Building Blocks Top by Deletta.

Anthro's Building Blocks Top Print
Unknown Mineral


Another characteristic that inspired me was the Iridescent Blues in the Mineral. Denim would be a perfect answer.  Even better is Leifsdottir's Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt. In addition, the ruched panel on the skirt front directly translates to the stacked, elongated crystals that form rows of columns or stairs depending on which direction the crystals are oriented.




The same column like behavior is seen again in the vertical piping on Anthro's From The Poles Jacket by Sparrow. See me wear this Jacket differently HERE. Honestly, I would have never in a Million Eons thought up this combination.  I was amazed that I could transfer these characteristics directly over to styling an outfit.  And it took no more than 30 minutes of effort. 



Building Blocks Top - by De - Anthro Orig $78 Sale $40 - Aug 2008
Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009
From The Poles Jacket Purple - by Sparrow - Anthro Berkeley Orig $128 Sale $70 Red Tag $52- Dec 2010
Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011
Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010
Meteorology Necklace - Anthro 14K Gold Filled with Smokey QTZ, Amethyst and Prynite, Orig $128, Sale $50 - July 2008

The Belt is another leftover pre-Anthro piece from Kohl's that served to add a tiny bit of sparkle and shine.
 
 
 
Dark Denim Ruched Panel Skirt - by Leifsdottir - Gilt Fuse Orig $150 Sale $64 - Oct 2009
Opaque Tights in Green - by Hue - Anthro Orig $12.50 Sale $7 - Feb 2011
Sevilla Heels - by Coclico - Anthro Orig $385 Sale $190 Red Tag $142 - Jan 2010

Nothing like this gorgeous Purple pair of  Seville Heels by Coclico with staircase like ruching right down the front. I had just received the Opaque Tights in Green by Hue the same day, and planned to use them for something entirely different that fell through.  Perfect timing. Olive Green, Navy and Purple are such a marvelous color combination.

You can see a slightly better view of Anthro's Meteorology Necklace made from Smokey QTZ, Purple Amethyst and Lime Green Prynite.


Dear Readers,
Can you spot some of the visual characteristics of the Mineral Bismuth that I attempted to capture in my photos.

Hints:  For example, the Green Light Pole next to the Yellow Bicycle resembles the columns formed by the elongated crystals. 

Please send me more Rock and Mineral Photos.   See the Guidelines for Submission, outfit post dates and Giveaway at the bottom of the Post HERE.

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail)@yahoo.com

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

No Anthro Zone Review! The Fluttering Obi Dress by Corey Lynn Calter

I was hoping to love this dress as much as Corey Lynn Calter's Fragrant Valley Dress.  That is not the case. This dress didn't look great on the Anthro model. Since models aren't built like the rest of us, I expected a different fit.  But it really wasn't. This would have made a very nice SILK ROBE.

Fluttering Obi Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Feb 2011

Pros: lovely silk, contrasting belt, pockets, corey lynn calter

 
Cons: poor style for silk, size down one or two sizes, belt too short, length too long, neckline too low, frumpy 

SIZE:  I ordered my normal size 4. I'm 5'6" Tall, 130 lbs, 36-28-35, with narrow shoulders. I worried I would need a size 6.  HA-HA!



Fluttering Obi Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Feb 2011

FIT: The Fragrant Valley ran small. Mine is a size 6. I really needed a 2 for this dress. It's very large everywhere. As you can see in my photos, the straps of my Anthro Reversible Camisole in Ivory are showing at the side.  Why? The neckline is too low, and wide across my narrow shoulders.  Even the hips are too wide.  The elastic waist was fine.  And as expected from reading the online reviews, the belt attached in back does not wrap all the way to the front. The length is just above my knees.
Fluttering Obi Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Feb 2011

DETAILS: You could detach the belt with one snip than wrap it from front to back instead.  Then the back of the dress can be ugly. They just didn't make the belt long enough. The pockets are frumpy.  Even the sleeves were just too big.



Fluttering Obi Dress - by Corey Lynn Calter - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $100 - Feb 2011

FABRIC: Love the print, but it's much too thin.  Looks beautiful, and feels wonderful.  But not the right choice for this style dress.

This dress is not worth a $100 to me.  It's not even worth the effort to store search a 2 since the smaller sizes are now sold out online  If this gets a 2nd cut to $40 I might keep an eye out for a POP BACK in size 2. But I'm not convinced I would like it enough at $40.

Shop the Fluttering Obi Dress by Corey Lynn Calter HERE

Next review is the Draped Denim Dress which I absolutely love.  I am wearing it to today!


Draped Denim Dress - by Maeve - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $70 - Feb 2011


Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail)@yahoo.com

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Happy Wednesday on Saturday! Wightwick Manor Dress Style #2.

I decided No Anthro Zone Reviews would take priority over posting Wednesday's OOTD on Thursday.  Why didn't I post yesterday? Why am I behind on Commenting Rounds? 

See Anthro's Contemporarian Dress Reviewed HERE. 
See Anthro's D'armee Dress Reviewed HERE.

Wightwick Manor Dress - by Meave - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $60 - Jan 2011
Pier to Pier Jacket in Navy - by Tulle Clothing - Modcloth Orig $89 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
Delphi Hippodrome Belt - Anthro Orig $42, $20 - Oct 2010
Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Dec 2010
Loose Rein Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 Red Tag $105 - Dec 2010
Orange Agate and Purpurite on Copper Chain - Etsy fleurfatale $38 - June 2009
Copper Goddess 5x Leather Wrap - Etsy Crea Vita Designs $90 - May 2009


Before I go all out Anthro, meet Modcloth's Pier to Pier Jacket by Tulle.  Fast becoming a favorite of mine. My scarf was handknit by my multi-talented Mother.

Shop Modcloth's Pier to Pier Jacket HERE.
See me wearing the Jacket HERE.

I woke up Thursday Morning with an eye infection. After several commentsfrom Co-workers about PINK EYE (which I didn't have) I felt like I should go home. Better safe than sorry. So I went to the Dr's office later in the day. She prescribed antibiotic eye drops.

Wightwick Manor Dress - by Meave - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $60 - Jan 2011
Delphi Hippodrome Belt - Anthro Orig $42, $20 - Oct 2010
Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Dec 2010
Loose Rein Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 Red Tag $105 - Dec 2010
 This is style #2 for the Anthro's Wightwick Manor Dress by Maeve.

See Style #1 HERE.

Since I was already at the Dr's office, I asked her why I couldn't bend my thumb on my left hand without having severe pain. It turns out the tendons are hyper extended. For the last 6 months I have had to learn to mouse with my left hand. Advanced Carpel Tunnel, Tennis Elbow, and issues with pinched nerves in my Right shoulder have been plaguing me for several years. 

Roadway Tights - by Eloise - Anthro Orig $18 Sale $10 - Dec 2010
Loose Rein Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro Orig $268 Sale $140 Red Tag $105 - Dec 2010
Shiny Leather Caraway Bag in Muave - Orla Kiely Orig $584 Sale $380 - Feb 2011

I had to include my new Shiny Leather Caraway Bag in Mauve by Orla Kiely.  I'm wearing a necklace with purple stones to add balance over this very large, brightly colored luggage bag.

I took baby steps and mixed two patterns by including the Roadway Tights by Eloise.

The first time I saw the Wightwick Manor Dress with Anthro's Loose Rein Boots by Miss Albright was on LC of Bella Seattle HERE.  I had the boots, but I had never paid attention to the dress.  That's the Anthro Domino Effect.  I now needed the dress, which was Sold Out. LC kindly shared her Wish Listed dress with me.   

The Dr. gave me a splint for my TRIGGER THUMB and explained that the symptoms were only going to get worse unless I had minor surgery to cut the tendons and loosen the joint. Ack!

Wightwick Manor Dress - by Meave - Anthro Orig $128 Sale $60 - Jan 2011
Orange Agate and Purpurite on Copper Chain - Etsy fleurfatale $38 - June 2009
Copper Goddess 5x Leather Wrap - Etsy Crea Vita Designs $90 - May 2009



She was right about the progression.  I accidental bumped my thumb into a bent position this morning.  Always a very painful experience.  Normally I can gently bump my thumb back straight.  But not this time.  It stuck!  I rolled around on my bed for 20 minutes in extreme agony. It wasn't until an hour later that my thumb popped out of the bent position. 



So the inevitable has arrived.  I must have surgery for my trigger thumb soon.  Don't worry!  I will still be blogging.  But I am going to have to cut back on the length and frequency of my Posts. 

Please send your  "Inspiration That Rocks" Photo's (one per week) to lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com. Keep your choice simple and under natural lighting.

See Scheduled Outfit Posts and Guidelines for Rock and Mineral photo submissions HERE.

Next Wednesdays Photo has been chosen.  The mineral is exceptional.  The crystal structure is amazing. The reader was not able to ID the Mineral Name. I wasn't able to come up with enough characteristics to make an identification.

It can be difficult to identify a sample without testing, weighing, scratching, or breaking it. But don't worry, I know some excellent sources.

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)


Thursday, February 17, 2011

No Anthro Zone Review! D'armee Dress! Winner!

I received Four dresses in the last week. Returned were the De Chelly Dress, the Contemporarian Dress reviewed HERE, and the Glantz Dress reviewed HERE.

Only one of the Four was a keeper. This was the dress I truly wanted to work!  I've been posting and blogging about this dress for months.  And I am excited to say that it was worth the wait.  It warms up fast in the Central Valley of CA.  I really want to wear this now, not 9 months from now in the Fall.

No Anthro Zone Review:  The D'armee Dress by Parameter $138 in Khaki.



















Obviously I can't speak for the Navy and Charcoal colorways.  I read the sleeve length is 3/4 on those colors.

I simply love the Khaki.  The bodice and skirt of this dress are a shiny, smooth Green with very little give to the fabric.  The sleeves however are more Brown in color, and made of a stretchy material with a jersey feel. I assume Viscose.



SIZING: I'm a little chunky right now.  But I am working on it.  Normally I wear a size 4.  Sometimes a 6 if a dress has a high waistband or the fabric has no give.  I'm just under 5'6".  35-28-36, 34C. Narrow shoulders, larger than normal rib cage, shorter than normal arm length.  130 plus lbs. Relatively Busty.

 Thank goodness I ordered a SIZE 6.

I love how this dress looks and feels.  I realize this isn't Silk or Cotton.  But the price tag isn't bad.  Dry Clean is not my favorite option.  But is one of those negatives I can overlook at times.


Antho's D'armee Dress - by Parameter -  $138 in Khaki
 FIT:  The waistband is a bit too high.  But unlike the Contemporarian Dress, this one I could cover with a wide Belt.
The actual waistband is at the top of the belt I am wearing. The length is a little short.  About 2.5 inches above the knee.  The skirt isn't too full.  The long sleeves are just right. It's not really tight anywhere.  It's fairly forgiving everywhere else.


Anthro obviously doesn't capture the true colors in the models outfit.  I am wearing the exact same outfit except for the belt.

DETAILS:  The front zipper can be worn at any level.  I love how they extended the zipper all the way up to the top of the bodice.  A very unique look and a fun way to make the closure adjustable.  The shoulder tabs and tiny pockets are not interfering to the smooth fit across the chest.
FABRIC:  The skirt of the dress is very wrinkled and lined in the same fabic. I haven't had the chance to wave my magic wand over this one yet.  You will see this outfit again next week when I wear it to work.

This dress works for Petites and anyone under about 5'7".  Depends on how short you are willing to go. It could be flattering on busty and non-busty alike.  I'm not sure how this will work for those with wide shoulders.  Read the online reviews for that info.

Antho's D'armee Dress - by Parameter -  $138 in Khaki

I recommend this dress in the Khaki. Although I suggest waiting for sale if price is a concern.  The dress has been online for 6 months and there are still many in stock. So add it too your wish list and keep an eye on the stock amount. I am very certain that this dress will make sale eventually in all colorways.

Shop Anthro's D'armee Dress HERE.

You can check the amount of stock at any time by adding the dress to your shopping bag.  Then change the quantity to a very high number.  I use 99.  It will then tell you how many are left in stock in your size.

Three more Anthro dresses are on their way.  Anthro's Draped Denim and Fluttering Obi Dresses.  Both on sale now.

Any Question?  Please leave comments!

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail)@yahoo.com

No Anthro Zone Review - The Contemporarian Dress! D'armee Later Today!

No Anthro Zone Review:  The Contemporarian Dress.  Be sure to check back later for my review of the D'armee Dress.

Contemporarian Dress - by Maple - Anthro $128 - Feb 2011
The awesome reviews sucked me in. The adorable scribble print is reminiscent of Orla Kiely’s patterns. The dress is adorable from the front.  It’s the back presentation that is cause for concern. Who ever determined this dress as GREY is out of their mind.

SIZING:  I went with my normal size 4.  I’m 5’6’ Tall, 130-135 lbs, narrow shoulders, low waisted, larger than normal rib cage, 34C.



FIT:  TTS or size up if between sizes. The hemline hit about an inch above my knees. I somehow thought that the waistline would be lower on this dress.  It’s just higher.  The top hit under my bust.  But I was surprised at how well it worked even on me.  I would have liked the waistline to be at least 1 to 2 inches lower to look best.  The dress itself was slightly tight through the ribs. But I had a camisole underneath. Just as I would expect from a waistband with no give. Due to the design of the waistband, belting this dress could be tricky.


The major flaw for me was the arm holes are cut too deep.  Any kind of support would be visible under the awesome detailing.

DETAILING: I added a Brown Camisole under the dress to cover my bra straps. Too much of the camisole shows under the arms.  I’m not sure a strapless would even work. And the string straps in the back seemed too long and kind of hung loose and floppy. I would have to cover the best part of this dress with a Cardi?



I needed help with the Zipper that runs up the back. No pockets!

FABRIC: This is 100% RAYON including the Brown Lining. Dry Clean Only. Has a very Cotton feel to it. The fabric is thin. I can’t imagine the nightmare of getting the wrinkles out of this one.

I think it’s a great dress for 5’7” and under. Would work best for those that are normal to high waisted, and not overly endowed.  Also would work for those that can go braless.  You can see right through the double layer of fabric on the bodice.


I didn't feel the magic or the love. 

RETURNED!

Please feel free to ask questions about this dress in the comments section.  Or you can email me at lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com

The D'armee is a different story. 

Anthro Sister Love, Laura  (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

My Photographer Works for Pizza! Inspiration That Rocks #2!

Just in case you missed "Inspiration That Rocks #1" you can catch-up HERE. 

My 22 year old son, Camden (Gaelic - from the winding valley) cautiously agreed to accompany me to Hart Park (through which the Killer Kern River runs).  He informed me that he would HOLD and CARRY ONLY. The last time I handed him a camera (my Olympus) he dropped it on the concrete driveway. 


Opal - Mostly transparent mineral consisting of hydrous silica. Opal can occur in almost any color, but it is often pinkish white with a milky or pearly appearance. It typically forms within cracks in igneous rocks, limestone's, and mineral veins. Commonly found near Hot Springs.

As promised, I have identified the name of this Mineral.  The Reader who submitted this Opal photo is now entered in the final vote to win a Vintage Tatted Snowflake Necklace. There are now 8 photos in the pool to be carried over. 

If you want to submit a photo, please email to lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com.  Remember, don't tell me the name of the Specimen.  If you use a URL make sure it doesn't contain the name in the address. 

 See Photo Guidelines, Giveaway info, and Schedule Dates
 for Submissions and Outfit Posts HERE.


 Sea Drift Dress worn as a Skirt - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $70 - Aug 2009
Spotlights Tank - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - April 2010
Pier to Pier Jacket in Navy - by Tulle Clothing - Modcloth Orig $89 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
British Poise Cincher - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010
Julian Alps Platforms - by Frye - Anthro $198 - Mar 2009
7 graduated Natural Stone Necklace - Etsy Shop Mud and Mint $37 - May 2009
(Dumortierite, Amazonite, Fossilized Coral, Bronzite, Quartz, Pink Peruvian Opal, Calcite)

I've worn the The Spotlights Tank twice in one month. 
 
See the Spotlights Tank layered under a pullover HERE.
 
I adore this top.  The reviews were not so favorable. Which usually bods well for me.  But, I did have to do a bit of stitching on the bodice so my bra wouldn't show.  Otherwise, this top has been a fun little sale item for me.
 
Camden and I grabbed our gear and crossed the road to find a small crowd on the photo OP bridge. While we waited for the crowd to clear, I set up the tripod across the street and started taking a few photos. I couldn't see the blinking light or hear the beeps from my auto timer.  So I kindly requested son to step in and just push the button on my mark.

 Baby steps are still needed even at age 22.

Sea Drift Dress worn as a Skirt - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $70 - Aug 2009
Spotlights Tank - by RicRac - Anthro Orig $58 Sale $30 - April 2010
Pier to Pier Jacket in Navy - by Tulle Clothing - Modcloth Orig $89 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
Julian Alps Platforms - by Frye - Anthro $198 - Mar 2009
7 graduated Natural Stone Necklace - Etsy Shop Mud and Mint $37 - May 2009
(Dumortierite, Amazonite, Fossilized Coral, Bronzite, Quartz, Pink Peruvian Opal, Calcite)

This might seem a little strange.  But my Skirt is actually Anthro's Sea Drift Dress.  See how it actually looks HERE.  I am wearing the bodice under the skirt like a pair of shorts.  It was naturally a little bulky with the ruffled waistline and the Spotlights Tank over top.  So I belted over everything with Anthro's British Poise Cincher.

After a few minutes we moved back over to the hill next to the bridge.  There is a couple standing on my OP spot now.  Camden is now taking on the tripod set-up and deciding the best location.  But I still have to tell him "Now" to push the button.  It's 3 PM and almost 70 degrees F.  I'm WARM!  But I want that bridge.

Meet Anita

Anita kindly allowed me to take a picture with her.  Her little sister was afraid of the slats between the wood planks.  Now Camden really shows his TRUE GRIT.  He tells Anita to look at him and smile in his sweetest voice.  She's a cutie.  And now we can get down to business and get the shot I want.  He moved the tripod off the trail and up the hill, claiming that was the best spot.  Now he's calling the shots.  He took about 5 photos to get this one.

I love my son for taking this photo!


Sea Drift Dress worn as a Skirt - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $70 - Aug 2009
Spotlights Tank - by RicRac - Anthro $58 Sale $30 - April 2010
Pier to Pier Jacket in Navy - by Tulle Clothing - Modcloth Orig $89 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
Julian Alps Platform - by Frye - Anthro Orig $198 - Jan 2009


This photo captures the image of the Opal inspired outfit I imagined. The sun shining on the River water emulates the explosions of light within the beautiful mineral.  The Cognac Leather of the Platforms translates to the natural Brown shell of the igneous rock,  The Jacket and Dress bring in the rich Blues. 

Camden asked me if I wanted to look at the photos.  I asked, "Did you get one?"  He said "Yes." 

Thank you Camden.  The whole time we are doing this, a small crowd has formed waiting to cross the bridge.


Funny thing is...you can walk 10 yards up and cross the road.  As we walked to the car he said, "I can't believe I just did that. Do you want to take more?" 
 
 

My High School friends and I used to hang out across the street from what we called The Palm Grove. Camden was worried about shadows cast by the tripod. Now he was telling me where I should stand. I couldn't believe this was the same son I left the house with.  My son, who never wants to hear anything about my blog.  I changed my coat for a Brown Blazer. Camden said it looked out of place, so I put it back in the car.

I PUT IT BACK IN THE CAR!!!!!!!!  ; )

I did sneak a small piece of Pink Peruvian Opal in the outfit by way of my Etsy Necklace seen HERE. 



Anthro's Sea Drift Dress worn as a Skirt - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $70 - Aug 2009
Julian Alps Platforms - by Frye - Anthro Orig $198 - Jan 2009


Anthro's Julian Alps by Frye. These Platforms haven't seen the light of day in over a year. It was nice to give them much needed love for the day.



Sea Drift Dress worn as a Skirt - by C Keer - Anthro Orig $138 Sale $70 - Aug 2009
Spotlights Tank - by RicRac - Anthro $58 Sale $30 - April 2010
Pier to Pier Jacket in Navy - by Tulle Clothing - Modcloth Orig $89 Sale $62 - Jan 2011
British Poise Cincher - Anthro $48 - Nov 2010
Sara Fur Felt Cloche Hat in Turquoise - by Mary Ann Koch - Couture Creations $145 -Mar 2010

Another Modcloth to love!  The Pier to Pier Jacket in Navy by Tulle Clothing. Along with my Sara Fur Felt Cloche by Mary Ann Koch Milliner extraordinaire of Couture Creations.

Shop the Pier to Pier Jacket HERE.

Shop the Sara Cloche HERE

I made a photo request to Camden.  He tells me, throwing my hat in the air is stupid.  I explain that the blog is supposed to be entertaining and fun.  He mumbles "Stupid."  He captured a good toss.




As we drive back to town, he tells me that he wouldn't mind doing this again as long as I pay him in Pizza.

Don't forget to submit this weeks photo.  If you submit one per week, it will increase your chances of winning the giveaway necklace.

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)

Monday, February 14, 2011

No Anthro Zone Review - The Glanz Dress Not By Beth Bowley!

Anthro's Glanz Dress by TABITHA
---I received this fabulous dress this evening.  Wow!  Anthro shipped fast.  I ordered the dress Friday morning.  It came along with the De Chelly in size 4, which would fit like a dream if a lost about 3 lbs.  So I will keep the De Chelly and work on that issue.

No Anthro Zone Review - The Glanz Dress

The Glanz Dress Product Page

I wish this report was better for several of you that were as excited as me over this dress.

#1 This is Tabitha not Beth Bowley. Sorry BB fans.
#2 SIZE-UP!

SIZE: I ordered a 6. Most Anthro Brands I am a 4. When I read this was a BB dress I sized up. I am 130 lbs. 5'6" tall. 35-28-36. Narrow Shoulders. And a 34C.

FIT: Thank goodness I did size up. This dress fits great until it met the girls. At this point it squashes me. The waistline is a bit high as are almost all Anthro Dresses on me. The length as you can see is just above the knee. The skirt doesn't flair too much. The pleating was a bit wrinkled and out of place from packaging. The arm holes are not too long or big. Nor are the shoulders too wide.

Where did my shapely figure go.  Maybe it's hiding between the lines.  Ha-ha!
If you are TALL (I'm guessing over 5'7" or more, or have very wide shoulders, this may not work well for you. But I can't blame you for trying. The whole idea of the dress is lovely. The vertical color blocking was an immediate attraction for me. I ordered it 5 minutes after seeing it the day it hit online.

FABRIC: This is a 100% Cotton Shell, and Fully Lined in the same. Dry Clean. The fabric resembles and feels like fine burlap or canvas. Stiff but high quality as is the construction. There is no give at all and no drape. The wide pleating works nicely with this sort of fabric.

DETAILS: Sadly lacking pockets for a $158 dress. The waistband is a very dark Brown. It's hard to decipher the color in the product image. It has a side zip, with hook and eye. I had no problems with the zipper.

The Girls Get the Big Squeeze

This dress fits fine everywhere, but is sadly too tight is the bodice for me. Size 8 would likely be too big everywhere. I think because the fabric is so stiff it will be difficult to get a flattering fit for those that are well endowed.

*****I recommend this dress even though it didn't fit me. It would be a five star dress with pockets and a softer fabric with a little more give. Anthro is getting a bit sloppy with Brand name mix-ups. Especially with a stunner like this one.*****

Shop Anthro's Glanz Dress HERE.

Hope this helps.  Please email if you have any concerns or questions about the Glanz Dress.

Thank you for letting me share my enormous disappointment.  Now please excuse me while I go back to mooping.  Whaaaaa!

Anthro Sister Love, Laura

Pebbled and Primped with the Plaid Perthshire on Heart Day!

Happy Valentines Day! Happy Monday!

Hope everyone had a great weekend with someone they love. 

Dear Blog Friends,  Have you ever pushed the PUBLISH BUTTON before you intended? That's what I did yesterday with Inspiration That Rocks #2, which was not scheduled to Post until Wednesday.  A couple of Readers were fast on the comments.  I removed the Post.  Let's pretend you didn't see it. It's still scheduled to fly early Wednesday morning.  So if you submitted a Rock Photo, don't miss Wednesday's Post. 


Perthshire Dress - by Edme & Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Regine Cardigan - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Online Exclusive Orig $198 Sale $100 - Sept 2009
Opaque Tights in Charcoal Heather - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010
Pebbled and Primped Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro $258 - Oct 2010
Mrs Blackbeard's Necklace - by Wendy Mink - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - Feb 2011
 

This is style #3 for the Perthshire Dress by Edme and Esyllte.  This time I decided to go with the matching tie belt.  Only because any other belt would have been distracting below a long statement necklace.

See the Perthshire Dress in Style #1 HERE, and Style #2 HERE.

Perthshire Dress - by Edme and Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Mrs Blackbeard's Necklace - by Wendy Mink - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - Feb 2011
Anthro let go of the Perthshire on sale end of November. Three months after it's release in the September Catalog. However, they held onto Mrs. Blackbeards Necklace by Wendy Mink  in hopes of selling them at full price. When the necklace finally dropped from $198 to $100 in mid January, I was tempted.  Instead I kept a close watch to see how it would sell.  When all versions were still available after a few weeks, I was hoping for a 2nd cut.  That's exactly what happened.  I picked this lovely necklace up for 75% off. It will work nicely with the Attention to Details Dress in Taupe also.


 
Perthshire Dress - by Edme & Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Regine Cardigan - by Leifsdottir - Anthro Online Exclusive Orig $198 Sale $100 - Sept 2009
Mrs Blackbeard's Necklace - by Wendy Mink - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - Feb 2011
 I've had the lovely Regine Cardigan by Leifsdottir for sometime.  I think I've worn it twice. I thought it was the perfect Ruffled, Red piece to add Romance to this special day.  It's about as soft and comfy as any sweater in my closet. The drape gives a very flattering silhouette.

Perthshire Dress - by Edme & Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Opaque Tights in Charcoal Heather - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010
Pebbled and Primped Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro $258 - Oct 2010
Reversible Leather Shoulder Bag in Cream Olive - Orla Kiely Orig $564 Sale $395 AW09 - Jan 2010
 I went with Heathered instead of solid Grey Tights. See the Opaque Tights in Charcoal Heather. I was looking for just a touch of textured interest above the Pebbled and Primped Boot by Miss Albright , and below the Dark Dress. I love the front pockets detail on Orla Kiely's Reversible Leather Shoulder Bag.


Perthshire Dress - by Edme & Esyllte - Anthro Orig $168 Sale $80 - Nov 2010
Opaque Tights in Charcoal Heather - by Hue - Anthro $12.50 - Feb 2010
Pebbled and Primped Boots - by Miss Albright - Anthro $258 - Oct 2010
Mrs Blackbeard's Necklace - by Wendy Mink - Anthro Orig $198 Sale $50 - Feb 2011

CALL For ROCK And MINERAL PHOTO'S!
Dear Readers, Please submit more Rock and Mineral Photos to add to the pool. There are EIGHT photos in the pool to use in FOUR remaining "Inspiration that Rocks" Styles.  See all info HERE.

Anthro Sister Love, Laura (lauramartinsemail@yahoo.com)